Esch-Cummins Act

United States [1920]

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 26, 2026

Quick Summary

The Esch-Cummins Act, passed in 1920, marked the return of railroads to private control after their operation by the U.S. government during World War I. While the act aimed to regulate the railroad industry, it did not fully implement Senator Albert Baird Cummins's proposal for consolidating roads into a few competitive national companies. This legislation is an example of federal regulation concerning interstate commerce, a concept that involves commercial transactions crossing state lines. The government's involvement in regulating interstate commerce has historically included various agencies and acts aimed at ensuring fair competition and managing transportation industries.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Albert Baird Cummins
In 1920 the Esch-Cummins Act provided for the return of the railroads to private control—after their government operation during the war—but did not include Cummins’ plan for consolidation of the roads into a few national, truly competitive companies. His last years were embittered by the rebellion of his…
Read More
In 1920 the Esch-Cummins Act provided for the return of the railroads to private control—after their government operation during the war—but did not include Cummins’ plan for consolidation of the roads into a few national, truly competitive companies. His last years were embittered by the rebellion of his…
Read More